Forever Practice: Conversations about the Practice of Architecture

A Practical Guide to the Career and Practice of Architecture

Where will architecture take you? Find answers in Forever Practice: The Architect at Work, a thoughtful and accessible book by author Jim Nielson, FAIA. Drawn from decades of experience and study, this engaging new book immerses the reader in best practices and proven tools for success.

In 28 brisk chapters, this book lends readers a glimpse of the architect in practice. It instills confidence and purpose. The author demystifies the profession, crafting his narrative―about licensure, project management, sustainability, and so much more―from the fodder of experience, case studies, and savvy. Empowering readers to embrace their role (or their future) as a practitioner, Forever Practice: The Architect at Work:

• Offers concrete steps for leading a collaborative team from project conception through completion
• Includes a wealth of insights and lessons learned to prepare readers for challenges in the field
• Features practice management tools and discussion topics for classroom and independent learning
• Addresses key professional standards, including codes of conduct, ethics, and the standard of care

Forever Practice: The Architect at Work is perfect for architecture students enrolled in professional practice courses. It is also ideal for early-career professionals and seasoned practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of practice management and design team leadership.

“In this book, Forever Practice: The Architect at Work, Jim Nielson, FAIA undertakes the task of introducing the reader to those business skills an emerging architectural professional, as well as a more seasoned professional, needs to succeed over a long career. It’s all there, plus additional resources to explore these topics more deeply. After reading this book, you’ll want to keep it near your computer as a valued reference.”
―RK Stewart, FAIA, Hon FRAIC, Hon JIA, Hon AIA, 2007 AIA National President

“I wish I had had Jim’s book when I was in practice.”
― John S. Reynolds, FAIA, Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, University of Oregon, Co-author, Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings

“For years Jim has played an active role in the regulatory process governing the profession of architecture at the local and national level. This book helps readers ― from aspiring architects to seasoned practitioners ― come to understand the general requirements of licensure and professional practice.”
― Harry M. Falconer, Jr., FAIA, NCARB, HonD BAC, Hon FCARM, Former Senior Architect | Vice President, Policy + International Relations, NCARB

Jim Nielson, FAIA, is a mentor to students and fellow architects. He designed the professional practice course he has been teaching at Utah Valley University. This book is a product of wide-ranging project and practice management experience. Jim applies that same experience in joining professionals, elected officials, and others across the US and Canada to support NCARB, NAAB, AIA, and non-profit groups seeking to serve the profession and its values. Jim serves on the Board of Governors of Envision Utah, an influential visioning powerhouse active in many markets locally and around the country. He has been a state legislator, real estate developer, architect licensing board member, and expert consultant on construction defects cases. He has published dozens of newspaper columns, and his public policy work has been cited in Business Week.